Thought for the Day – 12 May – The Spiritual Combat (1589) – Dom Lorenzo Scupoli OSM (c1530-1610)
“None shall be crowned who has not fought well.” 2 Tim 2: 5
LXIV: … Concerning the Four Assaults of the Enemy
at the Hour of Death.
The Second Assault of Despair and its Remedy.
“The Second Assault by which the perverse one attempts our destruction, is the terror which he would infuse into our minds at the recollection of our past sins, hoping thereby, to drive us to despair.
In this peril, hold fast to the infallible rule – that the remembrance of your sins is the effect of grace and, is most salutary, if it inspires within your heart, sentiments of humility, compunction and confidence in God’s Mercy.
But, if such recollection creates vexation and despondency, leaving you spiritless from the apparent cogency of the reasons adduced to convince you that you are irrevocably lost, be assured that it has been suggested by the devil.
In such circumstances, humble yourself the more and have greater confidence in God – thus shall you destroy the strategem of the devil, turn his own weapons against himself and give greater glory to God.
It is true, of course, that you should be truly contrite for having offended such Sovereign Goodness, as often as you call to mind your past offences but, as often as you ask pardon, you should have a firm
trust in the Infinite Mercy of Jesus Christ.
I will go further and say that even though God Himself should seem to say, within your heart, that you are not one of His flock, still ,place your confidence in Him; rather say to Him in all humility:
“Thou hast good reason indeed, O Lord,
to condemn me for my sins
but I have greater reason ,in Thy Mercy,
to hope for pardon.
Have pity then, O Lord, on a humble sinner
condemned by his own sinfulness
but redeemed by Thy Blood.
I commit myself entirely to Thy Hands,
O my Redeemer – all my hopes are in Thee,
trusting that in Thine Infinite compassion,
Thou will save me, to the glory of Thy Name.
Do with me as Thou wilt,
for Thou alone art my Lord.
Even though, My Lord,
Thou shouldst destroy me, ever will I hope in Thee!”
Dom Lorenzo Scupoli
AnaStpaul 